Study Desk

When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted.

I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. Interlude

for I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—

For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children,

the miracles he did for their ancestors on the plain of Zoan in the land of Egypt.

For he divided the sea and led them through, making the water stand up like walls!

for they did not believe God or trust him to care for them.

He rained down manna for them to eat; he gave them bread from heaven.

For he remembered that they were merely mortal, gone like a breath of wind that never returns.

For he turned their rivers into blood, so no one could drink from the streams.

He brought them to the border of his holy land, to this land of hills he had won for them.

He cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands.

They have left the bodies of your servants as food for the birds of heaven. The flesh of your godly ones has become food for the wild animals.

For they have devoured your people Israel, making the land a desolate wilderness.

Do not hold us guilty for the sins of our ancestors! Let your compassion quickly meet our needs, for we are on the brink of despair.

Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name.

Why should pagan nations be allowed to scoff, asking, "Where is their God?" Show us your vengeance against the nations, for they have spilled the blood of your servants.

O Lord, pay back our neighbors seven times for the scorn they have hurled at you.

For the choir director: A psalm of Asaph, to be sung to the tune "Lilies of the Covenant." Please listen, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph's descendants like a flock. O God, enthroned above the cherubim, display your radiant glory

You cleared the ground for us, and we took root and filled the land.